Japan arrests suspects in high school murder and domestic assault

A 19‑year‑old man was arrested in Sagamihara, Kanagawa Prefecture after allegedly strangling a 17‑year‑old female high‑school student on a riverbank. Police said the suspect, who identified himself as a painter, told investigators he acted because the girl rejected his repeated attempts to resume a romantic relationship. He was detained on the night of June 10 and transferred to prosecutors on June 12.

In Murakami, Niigata Prefecture, a 57‑year‑old company employee was taken into custody after assaulting his wife during a drunken argument on June 11. The husband punched his wife’s cheek, kicked her chest, and caused a minor bruise near her left eye. Their daughter called the fire department to report the incident. The suspect admitted the assault when questioned by police.

Both cases are being investigated by local authorities.